Biological researchers and educators from across the country traveled to Washington, DC, last week to participate in the annual AIBS Communications Boot Camp for Scientists and Congressional Visits Day, held April 20-22, 2026.
The event began with a two-day communications and advocacy training program designed to help participants strengthen their ability to communicate effectively about their research with the public, policymakers, and the media. Scientists then headed to Capitol Hill on April 22, where they met with members of Congress and their staff. These meetings gave participants an opportunity to apply the skills developed during the training while advocating for strong federal support for scientific research.
At a pivotal moment for the U.S. scientific enterprise, these meetings were an opportunity for scientists to help lawmakers understand the importance of sustained, predictable federal investments in research and the benefits those investments deliver to their districts and states. Participants urged Congress to provide at least $9.9 billion for the National Science Foundation and $51.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health in fiscal year (FY) 2027. Many also highlighted the need for renewed investments in science programs at the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior.
In addition, participants called on Congress to reject the steep cuts to science proposed in the President’s FY 2027 budget request and to ensure that appropriated funds are spent by agencies as directed by Congress. In total, AIBS coordinated 66 meetings with congressional offices, including 36 Republican offices, 29 Democratic offices, and one Independent office.
Ossoff photo (L-R): Leah Oliver, Nicholas Macias, Sen. Jon Ossoff, Aaron David, Jennifer Owen, and Sahas Barve
Scientists from 20 states and the District of Columbia took part in the event. Several AIBS member societies sponsored participating scientists, including the American Society of Mammalogists, Botanical Society of America, Helminthological Society of Washington, Mycological Society of America, Organization of Biological Field Stations, and Society for the Study of Evolution. The 2025 AIBS & SURA Public Policy Fellow, Anna Rader Groves, also attended.
This event was made possible in part through the generous support of AIBS members who contribute to the organization’s public policy efforts. To learn more about supporting science policy initiatives, contact the AIBS Public Policy Office.
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